RICKY NEVILLE FROM MARGATE CAUGHT IN MULTIPLE SEX OFFENCES AND STALKING INCIDENTS IN AND AROUND MARGATE AND NEARBY AREAS

In December 2017, a disturbing case involving Ricky Neville, a known sex offender from Margate, came to light as he was sentenced for a series of alarming incidents that had left the local community deeply unsettled. Neville, aged 49 and residing in Grosvenor Place, was found guilty of stalking a nursery worker, an act that had caused her significant fear and distress, ultimately rendering her too frightened to walk to her workplace alone.

The court proceedings revealed that Neville had engaged in a pattern of unsettling behavior outside the nursery school where the victim worked, on three separate occasions. The first incident occurred on Thursday, September 21, when the woman was at her place of employment. As she stepped outside, she noticed Neville behaving in a suspicious manner, staring directly at her. His actions grew more alarming when he suddenly darted behind a nearby tree, concealed himself for a few moments, and then re-emerged. The victim, noticing his presence, shouted at him that she could see him, prompting Neville to walk away in the direction of an alleyway leading towards a local swimming pool. She promptly reported this incident to the police, expressing her fear and concern.

Less than a week later, on the evening of Thursday, September 28, the woman was again at work when she looked out of a window and saw Neville walking past the nursery’s railings. Her fear intensified, and she immediately contacted law enforcement. Police officers responded swiftly, escorting her safely back to her home. The pattern of suspicious activity continued, and on Monday, October 2, around 7 pm, the victim, seeking additional security, traveled to work with her sister. Despite this precaution, Neville was spotted once more acting suspiciously outside the nursery. The victim called her partner, who arrived at her workplace and chased Neville away. During police inquiries, she was able to identify Neville as the individual involved, leading to his subsequent arrest and charging.

It was revealed that Neville, who had recently been released from prison, admitted to the police that he had been stalking the nursery worker. He also acknowledged breaching a sexual offences prevention order (SOPO) that had been imposed on him following a previous conviction. This order explicitly prohibited him from being within 100 meters of children, and from entering public parks, private gardens, and churchyards unsupervised. Neville’s actions and breaches of the court order resulted in his being sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court on December 18.

In addition to the stalking case, Neville’s criminal history includes multiple convictions for indecent exposure and related offences. His earlier convictions date back to 2008, with a notable incident in December 2014 when he was again caught breaching his SOPO. During that incident, Neville was found in Crab and Winkle Way, a popular cycle path in Whitstable, where he was seen performing indecent acts in public. Two women walking along the path observed him, and police were called. Neville fled into All Saints Church but left behind stained jeans that matched his DNA, which linked him to the offence. He was subsequently jailed for 32 months for breaching the SOPO on three separate occasions and for outraging public decency.

Further back, in September 2011, Neville was sentenced to two years in prison after being caught twice breaching his sexual offences prevention order. He was seen near a children’s play area in Forester Close, Canterbury, and later in the vicinity of St. Gregory’s Church, peering through a fence with his hands near his groin. Several parents reported him, and police found him in the churchyard, raising concerns about potential exposure to children. His lawyer argued that Neville’s compulsions were akin to a drug addiction, and he was seeking treatment for his obsessional compulsive disorder. Nonetheless, the court emphasized the importance of public safety, especially for children, and sentenced him accordingly.

In 2009, Neville was again jailed after being found in bushes without trousers, performing lewd acts, and then entering a primary school playground, breaching a community order and a sexual offences prevention order. His repeated violations underscored his ongoing issues with controlling his behavior, despite previous orders and penalties. The court expressed hope that psychiatric intervention might help him address his compulsions upon his release, but emphasized the need for strict supervision and restrictions to protect the community.

Throughout his criminal history, Neville has demonstrated a persistent pattern of indecent exposure, public indecency, and breaches of court orders. His actions have caused significant distress to victims and have repeatedly placed him at odds with the law. The court’s sentences reflect a serious effort to safeguard the public, especially vulnerable children, from his harmful behavior. Neville’s case remains a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in managing repeat offenders with a history of sexual misconduct and public indecency.